FDA to investigate diabetes drug

(WZZM) - The Food and Drug Administration will investigate a link between a relatively new diabetes drug and a higher risk for heart failure.

The FDA's investigation comes after a study published last year reported higher numbers of hospitalization for heart failure when the heart doesn't pump well. The study did not show any effect on the risk of heart attack or stroke.

The drug, saxagliptin, which is sold under the brands Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR, boosts insulin in the body after each meal, when blood sugar levels are high.

In a safety alert published by the FDA on February 11th, the administration says it has requested clinical trial data from the maker of saxagliptin to investigate the possible association between use of the drug and heart failure.

The maker is expected to submit trial data to the FDA by the beginning of March so doctors there can analyze it and report their findings.

The FDA says the investigation is part of a broader look at heart risks among all 'type two' diabetes drugs. Officials say patients should not stop taking the drug, but talk to their doctor if they have questions.

To read the FDA's safety alert, click here. To learn more about the drug saxagliptin, click here.

Diabetes drug Saxagliptin sold under the brand name Onglyza.(Photo: Bristol-Myers Squibb)